Cutaneous sinus tracts (or emerging sinus tracts) of odontogenic origin: a report of 3 cases

Ronald S Brown¹, Robert Jones², Tawana Feimster³, Frances E Sam<sup>2

1</sup>Department of Oral Diagnostic Services, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA; ²Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA; ³Department of Endodontics, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA

Abstract: Three cases are presented in which patients presented with either cutaneous swelling or cutaneous sinus tracts of odontogenic origin. A cutaneous sinus tract of odontogenic origin is a pathway through the alveolar bone that typically begins at the apex of an infected tooth or of an infected portion of the dental alveolus and empties infected material (pus) through the skin. Where as the more common finding of an oral fistula is a pathway from the apical periodontal area of a tooth to the surface of the oral mucous membrane, permitting the discharge of suppurative material. Diagnosis, etiology and treatment are discussed with reference to patient history, clinical examinations, imaging, and treatment perspectives.

Keywords: dental abscess, fistula, cutaneous sinus tract, odotogenic infection